PUBLIC OPENING: The controversial Islamic center near Ground Zero features a photo exhibit of kids yesterday.Warzer Jaff

The controversial Islamic cultural center and mosque near Ground Zero opened to the public for the first time last night with a photography exhibit — as its developer said he regretted not consulting with families of the 9/11 victims earlier.

“We made incredible mistakes,” Sharif El-Gamal said as the Park51 Islamic community center welcomed visitors to an exhibition featuring pictures of New York children of more than 160 ethnicities.

“The biggest mistake we made was not to include 9/11 families,” El-Gamal said.

“We didn’t understand that we had a responsibility to discuss our private project with family members that lost loved ones.”

About 150 people attended last night’s exhibit and there were no protests.

El-Gamal said he hopes that people who don’t want the center and prayer space so close to where the 9/11 attacks occurred will now see what it’s all about.